The Filipino Press: May 5-11, 2023

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MANILA -- President Ferdinand

R. Marcos Jr. and United States

President Joseph Biden on Monday (Washington D.C. time) committed to strengthen the longstanding USPhilippines alliance, particularly in terms of deepening military and economic cooperation.

In a joint statement, Marcos and Biden announced a number of new arrangements and initiatives to expand on the "historic momentum" in USPhilippine relations, which are defined by "remarkable ties of friendship, community, and shared sacrifice".

The two leaders reviewed opportunities to deepen economic cooperation and promote inclusive prosperity, expand our nations’ special people-to-people ties, invest in the clean energy transition and address the climate crisis and ensure respect for human rights.

“In efforts to promote inclusive and broad-based prosperity, invest in the clean energy transition and the fight against climate change, uphold international peace and stability, and ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law, the United States and the Philippines will remain the closest of allies, working together to deliver a better future for our citizens and tackle the emerging challenges of the twentyfirst century,” the joint statement read.

Security cooperation, humanitarian aid Biden reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad alliance commitments to the Philippines.

Both countries also adopted the Bilateral Defense Guidelines

that institutionalize key bilateral priorities, mechanisms, and processes to deepen alliance cooperation and interoperability across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.

Marcos and Biden welcomed the identification of new sites under the

US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which will "strengthen Philippine security and support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization goals".

The prospective EDCA sites are

also seen to drive US investment to local communities across the Philippines and improve the countries' shared ability to rapidly deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Both leaders underscored their

By Peter White/ eMS

“unwavering commitment” to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, as well as the importance of respecting the sovereign rights of states within their exclusive economic zones consistent with international law.

“The leaders support the right and ability of Filipino fisherfolk to pursue their traditional livelihoods.

The leaders note the ruling of the 2016 arbitral tribunal, constituted pursuant to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” the statement added.

They also affirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which they described as an “indispensable element of global security and prosperity.”

Both Biden and Marcos conveyed their support for Ukraine in its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, “noting that the conflict (with Russia) has adversely affected food and energy security in the Indo-Pacific.”

Economic cooperation Marcos and Biden agreed to promote economic growth and prosperity in the Philippines, in the United States, and the broader IndoPacific region.

Biden will dispatch a Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines on his behalf, to enhance US companies’ investment in the Philippines’ innovation economy, its clean energy transition and critical minerals sector, and the food security of its people.

The Philippines and the US will also co-host the 6th annual 2024 IndoPacific Business Forum in Manila, described as the US’ “marquee commercial event in the region.”

San Diego – Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced more than $690 million in funding for public transit agencies across the state. As part of the 2023 award summary, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) received its largest ever Transit and Intercity Capital Rail Program (TIRCP) grant, totaling just over $60 million. The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) TIRCP funding will help advance the agency’s bus fleet electrification, as well as

maintain a state-of-good-repair on the Trolley’s Orange Line.

“The substantial investment by the state into the MTS system is encouraging as we look to continue growing ridership and advance our region’s priorities, including transitioning to a zero-emissions bus fleet,” said Stephen Whitburn, Acting MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember, District 3. “Building and maintaining MTS infrastructure is vital to our mission of providing safe and reliable service for riders in the years ahead.”

The MTS improvement projects funded by theTIRCP grant include:

Electrification of MTS Kearny Mesa Division ($12.1 million): Construction of a new overhead charging system for 30 zeroemission buses, which will be required for a full transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2040.

Orange Line Track Improvements ($48.3 million):

Continue enhancing the 18 miles of track along the Orange Line Trolley, including grade crossing safety, signal interfaces and more.

TIRCP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Omicron variants are killing 200300 people a day but population immunity in the U.S. is higher and more stable than a year ago.

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco says the number of new COVID-19 cases is decreasing, wastewater infectiousness is relatively low and hospitalizations are going down.

“The state of COVID, at least as far as I can tell, feels reasonably mild compared to what we’ve seen in the past 3 years, and remarkably stable,” says Dr. Robert Wachter.

Wachter briefed reporters on an Ethnic Media Services conference call last week.

He said the biggest surprise about new variants driving the pandemic in the last 18 months has been the relative lack of surprises.

“We are still on the same Greek letter that we were since December 2020,” Wachter said, referring to the Omicron variant whose name derives from the Greek alphabet.

Since March, the World Health Organization has been monitoring the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16, aka “Arcturus.” The variant has a higher transmissibility than previous ones but doesn’t appear to be more dangerous. The new strain accounts for about 10% of COVID-19 cases worldwide. People who get it tend to have a fever and some get pink eye. Both symptoms don’t last very long.

“The last year or so really feels like new variants are a little scary

and then they turn out not to be that big a deal. And so I think, if past is prologue, that’s likely to be what happens with this newest variant,” Wachter says.

Staying safe even as COVID-19 restrictions fade

Dr. William Schaffner, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center still wears a mask in crowded places, as does Wachter.

“Many of our population have experienced COVID. Many people have been vaccinated, and of course many people have experienced both, and so our level of protection is very high, and these Omicron variants seem to be spreading, producing milder disease,” Schaffner says.

“The therapies, the testing, the treatments that we’ve gotten used to all work about as well as they have for the last 18 months. In some ways the biggest changes are political and sociological. It’s clear that any rules and restrictions are pretty much gone,” Wachter says.

Americans have largely stopped wearing masks or hung them on their

car mirrors just in case they may need them.

Schaffner says we need to keep our guard up. Older and immunocompromised people, as well as the unvaccinated, are the COVID patients who end up in the hospital. Vulnerable people need to get vaccinated, boosted, and wear masks.

“It turns out that the quality of the mask and the fit is important,” says Schaffner. The N-95 mask fits securely around your nose and chin. In the early days of the pandemic they were hard to find and controversy about wearing masks created a lot of confusion. Masks are no longer mandated except in hospitals and other places where the risk of infection remains high and it remains high for certain people.

“The other early mantra – that it’s really about protecting others and not you – it’s also wrong. It is about protecting others, but it certainly protects you, too.

It’s probabilistic. It lowers the

Be Aware this May

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

I hope you will enjoy a fabulous Mother’s Day, my pampered friends!

May is full of celebrations, but did you know that May also serves as a month promoting the awareness of numerous health problems?

This week I am sharing with you just a few of the health-related causes that share May as their awareness month. Let’s all stay educated on the latest preventative measures we can take to maintain the healthiest life possible for our selves and those we love.

Excerpts From: http://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness

Month Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects women more than men.

The disorder is most commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, but can be seen at any age. MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve impulses are slowed down or stopped. Researchers are not sure what triggers the inflammation. The most common theories point to a virus or genetic defect, or a combination of both. Geographic studies indicate there may be an environmental factor involved.

People with a family history of MS and those who live in a geographical area where MS is more common have a slightly higher risk of the disease.

Muscle symptoms: Loss of balance, Muscle spasms, Numbness or abnormal sensation in any area, Problems moving arms or legs, Problems walking, Problems with coordination and making small

movements, Tremor in one or more arms or legs, Weakness in one or more arms or legs, Fatigue is a common and bothersome symptoms as MS progresses. It is often worse in the late afternoon.

May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease. Researchers estimate that about 1 out of 5 American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. About half of all women over the age of 50 will have a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra (bones of the spine). Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both. As you age, calcium and phosphate may be reabsorbed back into the body from the bones, which makes the bone tissue weaker. This can result in brittle, fragile bones that are more prone to fractures, even without injury. Usually, the loss occurs gradually over years. Many times, a person will have a fracture before becoming aware that the disease is present. By the time a fracture occurs, the disease is in its advanced stages and damage is severe. The leading causes of osteoporosis are a drop in estrogen in women at the time of menopause and a drop in testosterone in men. Women over age 50 and men over age 70 have a higher risk for osteoporosis.

Other causes include: Being confined to a bed. Chronic rheumatoid arthritis, Chronic kidney disease, Eating disorders, Hyperparathyroidism, Vitamin D deficiency, Drinking a large amount of alcohol, Family history of osteoporosis, History of hormone treatment for prostate cancer or breast cancer, Low body weight, Smoking, Too little calcium in the diet

National High Blood Pressure

Education Month

Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure. Blood pressure is a measurement of the force against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps blood

See FRANCINE MAIGUE on 3

FRANCINE MAIGUE

diabetes, and/or smoke.

through the body. Many factors can affect blood pressure, including: How much water and salt you have in your body, The condition of your kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels, and The levels of different body hormones. You are more likely to be told your blood pressure is too high as you get older. This is because your blood vessels become stiffer as you age. When that happens, your blood pressure goes up. High blood pressure increases your chance of having a stroke,

COVID

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 2 chance of getting infected,” Schaffner says.

“If we’re not masking… I would say condoms prevent babies, masks prevent infectious disease. You’ll hear a lot of arguments about wearing both of them. But that doesn’t mean they don’t work,” says Dr. Ben Neuman, Chief Virologist of the Global Health Research Complex at Texas A&M University.

Arcturus variant likely not a game changer

Neuman said the Arcturus variant is different enough from the current vaccine strains that it has the potential to evade them because “it’s about as different from Omicron as Omicron was different from Delta and so just like we saw the Omicron wave come through, there is at least the potential for that.”

Wachter doesn’t think the new variant will be a game-changer though. For one thing, enough people have immunity now so the possibility of a super-spreader event is unlikely.

“The vaccine and the booster still work reasonably well in about the same way that we have thought for the last 18 months or so.” Paxil still works reasonably well, your home test still works reasonably well, Wachter says.

“The risk of getting very sick is probably not any different now than it will be in 3 years… so we all have to come up with strategies that allow us to live our lives as fully as we can while mitigating the risks in a way that’s practical and sustainable. And that’s different than two years ago, when we were all trying to get through it,” he says.

Wachter and Schaffner told reporters that they get boosted regularly. They are waiting for new vaccines that will be available in a few months for flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Long COVID

For people who get re-infected, the danger of long COVID increases, especially for women. Wachter’s wife, a former reporter who now writes books, has long COVID and she is learning to live with it.

“A year ago she was not disabled in any way in terms of getting through her days. Certainly, many people have it worse than she does,” Wachter says. “But most days at about one or two in the afternoon, she will text me and say I’m hitting a wall. I need to take a nap. She never had to do that before.”

A little bit of brain fog is making her “a little less good than she was” but it’s a consolation to know what’s causing it, he says.

heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and early death. You have a higher risk of high blood pressure if you are: obese, often stressed or anxious, eat too much salt in your diet, have a family history of high blood pressure, have

Get educated, get tested, get healthy, my pampered friends! You owe it to yourself and your loved ones.

Happy Mother's Day on May 14th everyone!!!w

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CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL ROB BONTA SPEAKS TO BUSINESS OWNERS

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Greater San Diego hosts AAPI Business Roundtable for AAPI Heritage Month

NATIONAL CITY, CA — California Attorney General Rob Bonta is speaking to Southern California business owners and community organizations about the current business climate in California. Attorney General Bonta will also address the role of the California Department of Justice in tackling the challenges and needs of business owners.

The free event is scheduled for May 16, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at G&A Marquee Pavilion, at 540 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950. The event is hosted by Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Greater San Diego (“FACC-GSD”), a non-profit group whose mission is to be a primary resource for growth and collaboration with its members.

San Diego County has a large Asian American Pacific Island (“AAPI”) community with nearly half a million people. It is the among the top 10 largest AAPI communities in the country. The AAPI community makes up more than 14% of San Diego County, according to the most recent census data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

FACC-GSD joins several collaborative partners including Women’s Business Center, California Southern, Olongapo City Bayanihan Club, Asian Business Association, National LBWA, Pacific Point Properties, MyPoint Credit Union, API Initiative, National City Chamber of Commerce and the Filipino Press to welcome Mr. Bonta.

“We want the AAPI community in Southern California to know that FACC-GSD is here as a resource for them. We are here to help you navigate grow your business and learn about opportunities from other like-minded entrepreneurs.” said Femie Cupit, President of FACC-GSD. “FACC-GSD partners with members in the business, finance, and legal communities

to create educational resources so that we can develop our specific industries,” said Valerie Garcia Hong, attorney at Garcia Hong Law.

In 2021, Attorney General Bonta was sworn in as the 34th Attorney General of the State of California, the first person of Filipino descent and the second Asian-American to occupy the position. Prior to serving in the Assembly, Attorney General Bonta worked as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco, where he represented the City and County and its employees, and fought to protect

Californians from exploitation and racial profiling.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May, and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees must register at www.faccgsd.org to attend. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please contact Femie Cupit at (858)2205487

The forum is seen to strengthen the Philippines as a "key hub for regional supply chains and high-quality investment."

To advance a secure 5G rollout in the Philippines, strengthen its innovation economy, and provide digital upskilling opportunities to Philippine workers, the United States also plans to establish a brick-andmortar Open RAN Interoperability Lab in Manila.

The Lab will provide handson training to current and aspiring 5G professionals and provide an opportunity for vendors and operators deploying Open RAN worldwide to teach and educate local engineers in how to design, build, and operate these open, secure, and interoperable networks.

Rule of law, human rights

Marcos and Biden underscored the need to strengthen democratic institutions, rule of law, and respect for human rights, including freedom of expression, press, and association.

The two leaders further noted the importance of countering any form of violence, such as that against civil society, women, children, and marginalized groups.

The leaders welcomed the creation of a bilateral Labor Working Group as part of the US-Philippines Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, which is seen to provide a crucial opportunity for the United States and the Philippines to “work together on implementation of internationally recognized labor rights".

The bilateral labor working group would also facilitate exchange and dialogue among US and Philippine governments and labor unions, as well as employer organizations.

Both leaders resolved to expand cooperation on environmental protections, including enhanced domain awareness, marine conservation, and protecting coastal areas from environmental degradation.

Biden to send 'first of its kind' presd’l trade mission to PH United States President Joe Biden on Monday (Washington, D.C. time) will send a "first of its kind" presidential trade and investment mission to the

Philippines in a bid to promote broadbased economic growth.

Biden announced this initiative following the bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Washington, D.C.

The mission is expected to enhance US companies’ investment in the Philippines’ innovation economy, clean energy transition and critical minerals sector. It would also feature the highest caliber of US business leaders.

Biden underscored the “strong partnership” and “deep friendship" between the Philippines and the US that has been "enriched by millions of Filipino-Americans and the communities all across the United States.”

Biden also committed to step up America’s support in a wide range of issues, including climate change mitigation and economy.

“We’re tackling climate change, we’re accelerating our countries’ chances… and we’re standing up for our shared democratic values and workers’ rights… and together we’re deepening our economic cooperation,”

Biden told Marcos.

Both leaders have agreed to deepen collaboration to fight climate change, expand clean energy production and protect the environment. In a joint statement, Marcos and Biden particularly reaffirmed to undertake urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as expand renewable energy production to accelerate the clean energy transition while bringing down energy costs and expanding energy access for families.

Marcos thanked Biden for America’s assistance and sought to strengthen “alliances and partnership in the face of the new economy that we are facing post-pandemic.”

During Monday’s Oval Office meeting, the two leaders reviewed opportunities to deepen economic cooperation and promote inclusive prosperity, expand both nations’ special people-to-people ties, invest in the clean energy transition and address the climate crisis and ensure respect for human rights.

The leaders also discussed regional matters and coordinate efforts to uphold international law and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Philippine Cabinet officials and their US counterparts also held a meeting with Marcos and Biden in an expanded bilateral meeting in the White House.

Among the Philippine officials who attended the expanded bilateral meeting include National Security Adviser Eduardo Año; Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.; Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Antonia Yulo Loyzaga; Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual; Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy; Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla; Migrant Workers Department Secretary Maria Susana “Toots” Ople and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Marcos is also set to visit the Pentagon and meet Cabinet executives and business leaders during his stay in Washington.

US global firms commit big investments during meetings with PBBM

The second day of the official visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in the United States on Tuesday (Wednesday Philippine time) has been very productive after getting commitments from American global firms during eight back-to-back meetings in just half a day.

As part of his official trip to the US, these meetings were held at the Blair House in Washington D.C. where Marcos sat down and talked with various business leaders in a bid to entice more investments to the Philippines.

Marcos, accompanied by the official Philippine delegation, started his business meeting around 1:45 p.m. with the group of prominent Filipino and American businessmen, the United States-Philippines Society, co-chaired by former US Ambassador John D. Negroponte, which made the commitment of greater cooperation and partnership in the development of the Philippine economy.

“(The) President’s visit… sets the table for our work, of US-Philippine Society (USPS) in the months and years ahead, thank you for that,” Negroponte told President Marcos.

Also known as The Society, the USPS is a non-profit, bi-national organization of prominent civic and

business leaders of the US and the Philippines.

Negroponte co-chairs The Society with prominent Filipino businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The Society was organized in May 2012 with the aim of enhancing and raising awareness of the profile of the Philippines in the United States in the areas of security, trade, investments, tourism, the environment, history, education and culture.

The group is a strong partner of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. in organizing events that highlight the robust relations between the Philippines and the United States in promoting security, economic, cultural and social interests.

The President also met with John Padget, president and CEO of Carnival Corp., who told the chief executive that his group of companies will hire around 75,000 Filipino seafarers in the next three to four years.

Padget, who also represents Carnival Cruise Line, Holland American Airlines and Seaborn, praised Filipino workers for their hospitality and competitiveness in the global workforce.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s the marine, deck, hospitality, restaurant… everything is based on the happiness, the smile, and the greatness of the Filipino employees,” he said.

In the meeting, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople presented to the US firms “the interest of 200,000 Filipinos” who “adhere to fair and ethical standards and principles.”

The President also met with the officials of Moderna, a global shared service facility that tests adverse effects of medications/vaccines, at around 3 p.m.

Moderna executives told President Marcos that they are planning to set up a shared service facility in the Philippines that would cater to the Asia-Pacific region.

Moderna Chief Commercial Officer Arpa Garay and Senior Vice President and General Manager Patrick Bergstedt said they are set to establish a “Shared Service Facility for Pharmacovigilance” to provide more employment opportunities to health professionals in the country. Garay underscored the successful public-private partnership between the

Philippine government and Moderna that they wanted to explore further.

After meeting with Moderna, Marcos proceeded to talk with officials of the Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, a US-based global leader and vertical integrator of nuclear technologies and services.

Francesco Venneri, CEO of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, expressed interest in bringing clean and reliable nuclear energy to the Philippines, describing the move as "probably a very important way for us to enter the market.”

USNC said it is seriously considering the Philippines for its first nuclear energy facility in Southeast Asia and vowed to help address the series of blackouts that hit several areas of the country.

"We also note that there’s a great deal of discussion about Mindoro having blackouts and that might be an excellent….a good science [solution],” said Venneri, referring to the weeks of power outages in Occidental Mindoro.

The President proceeded to meet with business process outsourcing (BPO) company Atento, which plans to put up its first call center in the Philippines at the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao district, Iloilo City.

The Philippine leader told Atento president Fili Ledezma Soto and chief delivery officer Josh Ashby that they made the right decision in choosing the Philippines as their location as “Filipinos speak and write the best English.”

“I know it will be successful because it has been successful in the past. It has been a go-to industry for the Philippine government for quite a long time now,” the chief executive noted. At around 5 p.m., officials of the Solar firm Maxeon, a global leader in solar technology and innovation, met with President Marcos and told him they are eyeing to invest some USD900 million in solar energy in the Philippines, in a move to expand its operations in the country.

Bill Mulligan, CEO of Maxeon which operates the SunPower brand in all global markets including the Maxeon brand in the United States, Canada and Japan, said the investment will provide more than 3,000 jobs in the next few years.

After meeting with Maxeon, Marcos also met with an official

of Analog Devices Inc., a global semiconductor leader using Intelligent Edge, to further strengthen and expand their operations in the Philippines via the universities and the academe.

To date, the company has a ADI University Program, implemented by Analog Devices General Trias Inc. (ADGTI) in the Philippines, consisting of many different activities that provide engineering students with the opportunity to further develop the theory and application of analog circuit design.

ADI combines analog, digital, and software technologies into solutions that help drive advancements in digitized factories, mobility, and digital healthcare, combat climate change, and reliably connect humans and the world.

As of 2022, Analog Devices General Trias Inc. (ADGTI), a counterpart of ADI, has a total of 5,252 employees, with around USD394 million worth of exports.

The President capped his business meetings with officials of American healthcare services provider Optum, which will invest some PHP800 million in medical business process outsourcing (BPO) in the Philippines. John Prince, president and COO of Optum, said the firm is committed to the Philippines and lauded the "strategic partnership that we have for a very long time."

"I’m a really big believer that great things happen to great teams and we have a great team in the Philippines,” said Prince, adding that the investment is part of the company’s efforts to broaden its operations.

Optum’s medical BPO investment stands to employ some 1,500 Filipinos.

Among the members of the official delegation of the Philippines during the business meetings were former president and now Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Speaker Martin Romualdez, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Atty. Cheloy Garafil.

Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez and DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo were also present during the meetings. (MNS)

IN PARADISE AS BALI IN INDONESIA LOSES PATIENCE WITH RUSSIANS (AND UKRAINIANS) FLEEING WAR…IS THE PHILIPPINES

SAN DIEGO, CA -- “The Russians are coming, the Russians are coming” is a 1966 American comedy film directed and produced by Norman Jewison for the United Artists. It is based on the 1961 Nathaniel Benchley novel “The Off-Islanders” and was adapted for the screen by William Rose.

The movie depicts the chaos following the grounding of the Soviet submarine “Cnpym” (pronounced “sprout” and meaning “octopus”) off a small New England island during the Cold War. It stars Carl Reiner, Eva Marie Saint, Alan Arkin in his first major film role. Brian Keith, Theodore Bikel, Jonathan Winters, John Phillip Law, Tessie O’Shea and Paul Ford. It was shot by cinematographer Joseph F. Biroc in Deluxe Color and Panavision.

The picture was released by United Artists on May 25, 1966 to critical acclaim. At the 24th Golden Globe Awards, the feature won in two categories (Best Motion Picture – Musical Comedy and Best Actor –Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Arkin) and was nominated for four Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Actor for Arkin, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing).

The aforementioned which I saw during my first year in the Navy has a pretty excellent grasp of what’s trending on the news right now (and any given time, for that matter) and kind of “connected” with all the sort of stuff happening globally these days.

Well, I say that’s where the world is now; one of those moments that come along every several generations where the decisions we make today are going to determine the future not only of our beloved old homeland – the Philippines – but of the United States and the world for decades to come.

And ponder about it. It’s not hyperbole. Contemplate about what’s happening with Thailand and worldwide for that matter, too. Reflect of what the change in allegiances of nations, around the world. Think of all that’s going on.

If you my dear folks aren’t aware of it yet, thousands of Russians have fled to Thailand to avoid the draft in Russia. Top tourists spots including Phuket have been flooded with people avoiding the call-up. Some have taken over the neighborhoods and say they have no intention to return home ever.

Figures suggest close to a quarter of a million; 233,000 Russians alone have arrived on the Isle of Phuket since November of last year.

As a result of the influx, there have been a home price booms as wealthy middles-class arrivals buy or rent to stay indefinitely on

NEXT?

residential visas.

Speaking to the Sun News, a Russian by the name of Nicolai, 25, said he had travelled between Thailand, Cambodia and Laos to avoid being drafted. He declared, “This is not my war.

I have never voted for Vladimir Putin. I can’t stop the war by being in Russia but I will do all I can and all my income allows me to never join his troops, and never fight against Ukraine.”

Another Russian, who did not wish to be identified, noted the “wave” of young men was “impossible to miss.”

Meanwhile, British tourists in the area have also observed. One by the name of Michael Shackleton, 39, commented: “In Pattaya you can’t move for Russian men of fighting age.” Reports suggest that such is the rush that local restaurants are now printing their menus in Russian as well as in English.

The announcement of this incursion comes as the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

With its balmy beaches, laid back lifestyles and holiday vibe, the tropical paradise of Bali in Indonesia has much to offer any world weary traveler – let alone those fleeing a war zone.

So perhaps it should be no surprise that since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Indonesia’ most famous holiday island has once again become a magnet for thousands of Russians (and Ukrainians, too) seeking to escape the horrors of war.

Some 58,000 Russians visited this Southeast Asian idyll in 2022 following its post-Covid reopening, and a further 22,500 arrived in January 2023 alone, according to the Indonesian government, making them the second biggest group of visitors after Australians. Adding to their number are the more than 7,000 Ukrainians who arrived in 2022, and some 2,500 in the first month of this year.

But for those fleeing the violence – or the draft – there’s trouble in paradise, so to speak. Balinese authorities this week called for the end to Indonesia’s visa-on-arrival policy for citizens of Russia and Ukraine, citing a spate of alleged incidents involving misbehavior and various examples of visitors overstaying their visas and working illegally as hairdressers, unauthorized tour guides and taxi drivers. The move has been met with dismay by many particularly by the Ukrainians on the island, who say that most of the happenings involve Russians and that they are

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

nudity and disrespecting sacred sites.

Notwithstanding, the Balinese authorities appear ready to make an example of Russians and Ukrainians and rising public debate over perceptions of their conduct.

“Why these two countries? Because they are at war so they flock here,” Bali governor Wayan Koster told a news conference.

The influx of Russians and Ukrainians traveling into Bali comes despite Ukraine having banned all men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country. Russia has no official blanket prohibition, but has mobilized 300,000 reservists to join the fighting, prompting many young men to flee abroad rather than be drafted and forced to fight a war.

CNN reached out to the Russian Embassy in Indonesia and Ukrainian consulate in Bali.

Russian Embassy officials did not immediately respond; Ukraine’s Honorary Consulate in Bali noted that the Ukrainians in the country were mostly females going over there for family unification reasons rather than tourism and they did “not want to violate the rules and regulations.”

While Bali was a favorite with Russian tourists even before the war, its attractions have become only more appealing in the wake of Putin’s grinding invasion and subsequent mobilization.

In Bali, part of the attraction has been down to Indonesia’s policy that allows nationals of more than 80 countries – including, at least for now, Russia and Ukraine – to apply for visas upon arrival. The visa is valid for 30 days but can be extended once for a total of 60 days.

Among the wave of Russians to have traveled to Bali was Sergei Ovseikin, a street artist who created an anti-war work of art in the middle of a rice paddy field –a “mural” that reflected his stance on military conscription and the war.

“Like many others forced to leave our native country, I came to Bali as a tourist,” Ovseikin remarked.

“Russia remains in a difficult political situation. I am against wars, no matter where they take place,” he added.

“A lot of people who disagreed with the war flew to Bali –Russians, Ukrainians, Belarussians and others,” he concluded. “We all get along well with each other…and understand that ordinary people did not start this war.”

News of the possible change to the Indonesian visa rules have rattled some of the Ukrainians on the island, many of whom left their homeland when war broke out and have been living on savings ever since, leaving and re-entering every 60 days to avoid flouting the rules.

“Bali is a good place,” said one Ukrainian named Dmytro. “It is beautiful, the weather is great and it’s a safe place for Ukrainians –there may be big groups of Russians, but there are no Russian soldiers.”

Ukrainians on the island were a tightly knit community that largely kept away from Russians and had been surprised by the possible move, he added.

“Ukrainians respect Balinese law and culture. We do a lot for our local communities and don’t represent any risk for people in Bali,” Dmytro s reiterated. “Many back in Ukraine have questions about Bali and would also love to come.”

With a handshake in the White House, U.S. President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos, Jr., (PBBM) erased any lingering doubts about the security ties between the two countries. The visit also ushered a new page for the Marcoses who President Biden welcomed with open arms. PBBM is the first Philippine president to visit the White House after some ten years hiatus.

Clearly, the trip was a great balancing act for PBBM who is still trying to accommodate both superpowers who are currently at odds with respect to Taiwan. The “One China Policy” that the United States observed for decades has been set aside in favor of Taiwan. Taiwan’s newfound notoriety is anchored on it being the world’s biggest supplier of semiconductors and nearly 90% of the most advanced ones that the U.S. military relies upon for its advanced weaponries.

Then senator Joe Biden was one of the most vocal critics of the late dictator, PBBM’s father, but is now

the Philippines’ strongest supporter because of Taiwan being America’s national interest. All these talks about a “special relationship,” “shared friendship,” between the United States and the Philippines are nothing but means to achieve a desired end or outcome. PBBM knows this but close relationship with the U.S. is paramount to his effort to remake the Marcos brand.

The reality of such a “special” relationship has always been in favor of the United States from the getgo. Historically, there is always talk about modernizing the Philippine military for it to be able to protect the country from external threats. In reality, however, the Philippines will always occupy that box of “not ready” for self-governance and gets a trickle of arms that are decades behind in modernity.

Part of the presidential talks to bolster regional security is for the U.S. to deliver three used C-130 cargo planes. Much like in the past, it is a striptease when the Philippines gets hand-me-downs military

being unfairly tarred with the same brush.

“Whenever we get reports about a foreigner behaving badly, it’s always Russian,” a local police officer in the town of Kuta told the multinational news channel CNN, declining to be identified due to sensitivities surrounding the issue.

“Foreigners come to Bali but

they behave like they are above the law. This has always been the case and it has to finally stop,” he mentioned.

No doubt about it, badly behaved tourists can be a touchy subject in Bali, where foreigners of various nationalities regularly make headlines for drunk and inappropriate behavior, public

That might be plenty of time for those planning lengthy vacations, but those seeking a more prolonged stay are not allowed to work. Indonesian authorities indicated several Russian tourists had already been deported in recent months for overstaying their visas, among them a 28-year-old from Moscow who was arrested and expelled after he was found to be working as a photographer.

Others who arrived hoping to find work have since returned home, risking Moscow’s wrath if they are suspected of fleeing the draft.

“It’s very sad that Ukrainians are being put in the same (category) as Russians. Russians are the second largest tourist groups in Bali and if you read the news, you’ll see how often it is Russians breaking local laws and disrespecting Balinese culture and traditions,” he commented.

“So why do Ukrainians have to suffer when it isn’t us causing problems in Bali?”

Ukraine’s Honorary Consulate

Philippine Foreign Policy is at a Crossroads

armature from the U.S. including coast guard and supply ships. If the Philippines wants modern weaponry, then it must cough up the money for it. Otherwise, all it gets are mothballed military hardware and must be paid maintenance contracts.

The renewed friendship post Duterte allowed the United States through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), to obtain additional “basing” rights guaranteed under the agreement that former President Benigno “Noy Noy” Aquino III signed in 2014. The four new bases, three in Northern Philippines close to Taiwan; and another in Palawan within a striking distance from the coveted Spratly Islands, convey two unmistakable messages: Defense of Taiwan and the Philippine EEZ claim in the Spratlys.

China is predictably upset with these arrangements but threatens the Philippines with tirades and bullying. Filipinos, especially from the Left, are hyperventilating that the U.S. is back again in the Philippines and would make the country a magnet for China’s nuclear attacks.

When PBBM raised the issue to President Biden about China’s aggressive stance in the South China Sea, he got Biden’s assurance that the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) is ironclad. Meaning, the U.S. is bound to defend the Philippines if militarily

attacked by China. The question to ask, however, is “is it really?” Here are some hard facts to swallow. Will the U.S. Congress really grant President Biden the War Powers Act over some floating rocks in the South China Sea, if China attacks a Philippine military ship cruising in the disputed territories? The answer is most likely, no. The MDT was never ratified by the U.S. congress and will not gamble America’s future over some floating rocks.

Can President Biden go to war with China without consent from the U.S. Congress? The answer is again no, unless China attacks the U.S. or its territories (i.e., Guam) first, which it will not do. China is espousing an aggressive posture in the South China Sea because it can and there is nothing the U.S. can do to stop it as long as it is not impeding freedom of navigation for U.S. ships and those bound to South Korea or Japan. Will the U.S. respond in kind if Taiwan is attacked by China? The answer is yes because Taiwan is a declared national interest by the U.S. Which means, American forces in the Philippines will be part of the conflict. If China attacks Taiwan and the U.S. joins the fray, can China attack the Philippines? The answer is yes because it is the U.S. they’re attacking and not the Philippines.

There are plenty of historical precedents that the United States will behave this way. First, the SpanishAmerican War did not include the Philippines but since Spanish forces were on the island and at Manila Bay, the U.S. attacked and defeated the Spanish forces with the help of the Filipinos. The U.S. then bought the Philippines for $20 million and began its colonial empire on the island.

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and later the Philippines because American forces were on the island and there were American bases in several locations. The Philippines was not at war with Japan, but it became a collateral damage.

The biggest question, of course, is will China attack Taiwan? The answer is a resounding, “no.” Why?

China is Taiwan’s biggest trading partner consisting of 25% (about $635 billion) versus the U.S. which is only about $85. Meaning, China’s over 1.4 billion population depends greatly on such trade. Can you imagine 1.4 billion hungry Chinese?

Mao Tse Tung rose to power capitalizing on hungry Chinese from the countryside. President Xi Jinping knows full well how big of a threat that would be to his political survival.

If China is unwilling to attack Taiwan despite its saber rattling, then why is the U.S. raising the

temperature in that part of the world? Well, there is a presidential election in the U.S. in 2024 and the economy will definitely be number one on the list of issues. By raising the stakes in the Korean Peninsula which borders the Koreas and Japan, the U.S. was able to sell $4 billion to South Korea and Japan for missile defense systems.

Japan will get 53 standard missiles for its Aegis systems on Kongo-class destroyers including two Aegis ashore missile interceptor batteries. These are in addition to the earlier purchases Japan made for OSPREY helicopters. South Korea gets 31 MK 54 lightweight torpedoes for an estimated $72 million for its torpedo hunters. These in addition to about 80,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea and Japan.

The State Department has approved a $2.5 sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines and 24 Sidewinder tactical missiles and 24 training missiles. The Philippines also purchased three shore based BrahMos anti-ship missile systems from India and will be positioned one in Batanes Island while the two other in Palawan and Zambales. As part of the Philippine missile defense system, the U.S. deployed a Patriot missile defense system in Aparri, Cagayan facing Taiwan as part of the largest military exercise between the two countries, Balikatan 2023.

“THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING!” 331,000 RUSSIANS FLEE TO THAILAND (WITH NO INTENTION OF LEAVING) AND THERE’S TROUBLE

Dubbed the "Island of the Gods" Bali in Indonesia attracts large number of Russian tourists (and Ukrainians, too) seeking to escape the horrors of war.

Situated in Daval del Norte and now easily accessible from the city, Samal Island in the Philippines has developed into the "go to" place for Russian travelers.

Russian tourists are fleeing to Thailand to escape the war in Ukraine or look to move to the Southeast Asian country.

Professional Business Directory

PLACE

MTS

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About MTS The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates more than 100 bus routes and three Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner and betterconnected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday more than 220,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system taking people to work, school, health appointments and other essential trips. In FY 2022, MTS served more than 57 million riders. For service schedule updates, news, alerts and more information on how you can use public transportation, go towww.sdmts.com.

By Mara W. Elliott, San DiEgo City attornEy

SAN DIEGO, CA -- The erosion of civility in our society is troubling on many fronts, but especially when it infringes on people’s ability to participate in matters of public importance.

For those of us who were brought up to say “please” and “thank you,” it is disheartening to see how everyday interactions can now be punctuated by rudeness or personal attacks. Incivility rarely has consequences, and it can even be celebrated – on social media and by the mainstream media – as clever, or justified, or important.

Each round of bad behavior encourages and makes easier the next. The result is that many people no longer want to participate in public discourse.

I’m not here as Miss Manners, but as your City Attorney. I see the effects of incivility through the lens of city government and how it can impede our ability to best serve our constituents. In my view, full public participation depends on our creating safe places for our citizens to interact with city officials and

with each other.

Our city needs to operate with a Code of Conduct that protects the public’s rights before things get too far out of hand. Through such a code, we can set standards for how city officials, city employees, and the public treat each other when we are conducting official business.

For example, members of the public should not be intimidated from giving input into public policy. If they cannot address the City Council without being vilified by people who disagree with them, they may never return to the council chambers. They may also balk at bringing other concerns to our attention, such as reporting sexual harassment, conflicts of interest, or other serious problems.

At a recent public hearing on a contentious issue, one group of San Diegans repeatedly hurled vile insults at another during the public comment period. Nothing was said to lower the temperature in the room or subdue the angry rhetoric, perhaps because we’re so accustomed to ugly behavior that we no longer gauge its impact on others. But nothing prevents us from promoting mutual respect. Rather than impeding free

speech, it encourages it.

A Code of Conduct Will Encourage Participation in Civic Affairs Dear

Many agencies across the country have adopted codes of conduct. They typically include:

• Creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that allows people of different viewpoints to disagree and freedom to challenge one another’s thinking.

• Modeling of professional and respectful behavior by all elected and appointed officials, including their facial expressions and body language.

• Allowing speakers to make remarks without interruption or argument.

• Promoting thoughtful debate that is free of accusations and personal attacks.

Extending courtesy even to those who don’t return it. Our values are cheapened if they apply only to those who share our views.

Frequently a code of conduct, once adopted, will be posted at public meetings, printed in their agendas, and shown as part of televised proceedings. It also should apply to employees who take phone calls, answer emails, field complaints, or in any way interact with the public.

Of course, adopting a code,

and even referring to it regularly, will not prevent some people from acting coarsely and interfering with the conduct of business. But a code can discourage those people from crossing a line that leads to their removal from a public building or meeting.

Just as importantly, everyone benefits from occasional reminders about how a civil society works. If the loudest and rudest appear to wield the greatest influence, it may be tempting for others to adopt their tactics. Setting ground rules to make clear what we should expect, and what is expected of us, allows everyone to have a fuller voice in our civic affairs.

PBBM hails US willingness to work with PH as equal partner

MANILA -- President Ferdinand

R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday hailed the United States’ willingness to work with the Philippine government “as an equal, sovereign partner", noting that defense and security engagement remains the key pillar of Philippines-US bilateral relations.

Marcos made the remark during his meeting with members of the US Senate led by Senator Robert Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and other members of the panel on Capitol Hill.

Marcos said engagements between Manila and Washington should not only take place at the executive level, but also with members of the legislature.

During the meeting, Marcos and the US Senate members discussed a wide range of issues that include security, defense, agriculture, climate change mitigation, economic cooperation and cyber security.

Other areas of cooperation between the two countries that need to be strengthened, Marcos said, include the supply chain, health and health security, environment, energy security and interconnectivity.

The meeting was part of the President’s ongoing five-day official visit to Washington, which included a series of high-level dialogues with US President Joseph Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris.

Joining the President in Wednesday's Capitol Hill meeting were Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Foreign Affairs

Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

Among those who joined Menendez were Senator James Risch as well as other officials of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

US firms set to hire 75K Filipino seafarers

United States companies are set to hire about 75,000 Filipino seafarers in the next three to four years, a seafaring industry executive disclosed on Tuesday (Washington DC time).

In a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Washington DC, John Padget, president and CEO of Carnival Corp., said his group of companies is set to hire Filipino seafarers.

Padget, who also represents Carnival Cruise Line, Holland American Airlines, and Seaborn, lauded Filipino workers for their hospitality and competitiveness in the global workforce.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s the marine, deck, hospitality, restaurant… everything is based on the happiness, the smile, and the greatness of the Filipino employees,” he said.

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople, who was at the meeting, presented to the US firms “the interest of 200,000 Filipinos” who “adhere to fair and ethical standards and principles.”

Marcos, meanwhile, thanked the US employers for their continued confidence in Filipino professionals and skilled workers.

“When you say that the ladies and gentlemen that we have here today represent 200,000, you do not represent 200,000 employees, you represent 200,000 families and

you represent 200,000 communities in the Philippines,” he told the employers.

The Filipinos represent the fourth largest immigrant group in the US after Mexicans, Indians, and Chinese, with more than four million Filipino immigrants, both temporary and permanent.

Through their remittances, Filipino workers contribute to the economic development of both the US and the Philippines with their skills, talents, and expertise.

In the meeting with the employers, Marcos was also joined by House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, and Department of National Defense officer in charge Carlito Galvez Jr. US-based firm to put up 1st PH call center in Iloilo -- PBBM

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called business process outsourcing (BPO) company Atento's plan to establish its first call center in the Philippines a step in the right direction as “Filipinos speak and write the best English.”

Marcos made the remark during a meeting with Atento president Fili Ledezma Soto and chief delivery officer Josh Ashby at the Blair House in Washington DC on Tuesday afternoon (US time).

He said this is a line of work that has become well-established in the Philippines, which is among the world's top destinations for BPO.

“I know it will be successful because it has been successful in the past. It has been a go-to industry for the Philippine government for quite a long time now,” Marcos said. Atento officials, meanwhile, assured Marcos of their commitment to start their call center at the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo.

Atento is a customer relationship management and business process outsourcing company operating in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, and the United States.

Former president and House of Representatives Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was present during the meeting, along with Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez and DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo were also present during the meeting.

Moderna to set up service pharmacovigilance facility in PH Pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Moderna on Tuesday announced its plan to establish a shared service facility for pharmacovigilance in the Philippines that will serve the entire Asia-Pacific region.

Moderna chief commercial officer Arpa Garay and senior vice president and general manager Patrick Bergstedt made the announcement during a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and other Philippine officials at the Blair House in Washington DC.

The Moderna officials said the shared service facility is expected to provide more employment

opportunities to health professionals in the Philippines, which they said is the “perfect location” for their third shared service facility in the world.

“We are really excited to have selected the Philippines for the third one primarily because you know the capabilities exist. We have the talent that exists, and we know that the partnership will be one that can be beneficial for both Moderna and the Philippines,” Garay said. According to the World Health Organization, pharmacovigilance is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of the adverse effects or any other medicine/vaccine-related problem.

All medicines and vaccines undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy through clinical trials before they are authorized for use.

The project will be the first investment by Moderna in the Philippines and its first in Asia.

It is expected to employ about 50 staff composed of health professionals with their shortlisted office location either in Makati or at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Marcos said this development would give the country advantage in health care.

“The opportunity to build shared services in areas of interest, connecting with the scientific, academic opportunity with Moderna, the ministry of health is something that we’re very, very interested in," he said.

"The most important part is that we sat down and drew the program, and say this is how we approach the problem… Those are the kind of skills that we need. With your experience in other countries, there are many lessons that we could learn that can be applied in the Philippines.”

Marcos met with the Moderna officials at the Blair House in Washington DC on Tuesday afternoon, along with former president and now House of Representatives Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Speaker Martin Romualdez, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, and DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo were also present during the meeting.

PBBM bats for duty-free privileges for PH products exported to US; cites digital transformation efforts of Pinoy firms

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called for the reauthorization of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program so the country can enjoy duty-free privileges on several products it exports to the United States.

The President made the call in a speech at the forum organized by the US-ASEAN Business Council and US Chamber of Commerce roundtable and reception at the Blair House in Washington.

Present at the forum were top American businessmen and Filipino tycoons that include Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Enrique Razon, Tessie Sy

4Ps beneficiaries in Mimaropa, C. Visayas among new engineers

MANILA -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday announced that beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Mimaropa and Central Visayas were among the successful board passers of the 2023 Civil Engineers Licensure Examinations.

Engr. Jiazel C. Mabunga, a 23-year-old daughter of a carpenter from Romblon, was a former 4Ps monitored child and had to live away from her family while studying in Manila.

Due to poverty and limited resources of the Mabunga family, Jiazel and her four siblings cannot attend school at the same time.

“Noong wala pa kami sa 4Ps, hindi talaga kaya na mapagsabay kaming magkakapatid sa pag-aaral. Kaya’t mayroong nagpaubaya at nagsakripisyo na huminto sa pagaaral” (When our household was not yet a beneficiary of 4Ps, it wasn't really possible for me and my siblings to study at the same time. Someone had to stop and sacrifice),” Jiazel narrated.

Through the financial assistance from 4Ps and the small earnings of her father and her mother who worked as a house helper, Jiazel was able to finish her studies at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Upon learning that she passed the licensure examinations for civil engineers, the DSWD commended Jiazel and her family for their contribution to the realization of one of the program’s goals of improving the lives of poor Filipinos through education.

“Kaya’t maraming salamat sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program ng DSWD sa patuloy na pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan lalo na sa mga kabataang naghahangad na makapagtapos sa pag-aaral. Nawa po ay lumawak pa ang inyong programa upang marami pa ang matulungan (Thank you to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the DSWD for continuously helping those in need, especially young people who aspire to get education. May your program continue to expand so that more people can benefit from it), Jiazel said in response to the DSWD’s congratulatory note.

Jiazel advised 4Ps recipients to properly use the financial assistance from the government and to study hard to achieve their dreams.

The DSWD Field Office (FO) in Central Visayas also named the 4Ps beneficiaries who have successfully passed the licensure examinations.

They are Engrs. Dannice Clue P. Quijano and Kimberly N. Salpocial from Bohol, and Kenneth M. Regodo from Lapu-Lapu City, who were active 4Ps recipients.

Engr. Vianne Kaye H. Rodriguez, a former 4Ps beneficiary from Negros Oriental, also passed the examination.

4Ps is a flagship program of the national government on poverty reduction that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children.

To qualify for the program, identified poor and near-poor households or families must be willing to comply with the conditions and meet the following criteria: with 0-18 years old family

member/s; and/or with a pregnant family member at the time of registration.

As of December 2022, the 4Ps program covers a total of 3,798,151 active household-beneficiaries across 41,676 barangays in the entire country.

Internship program

Meanwhile, the DSWD announced the opening of slots for the Government Internship Program (GIP), saying acceptance of applications will start from May 9 to 12 this year.

GIP is one of the components of the Kabataan 2000 program of the Philippine government, aiming to provide an opportunity for inschool youth to have hands-on experience of working in different government agencies.

A total of 75 slots will be available for each field office while 35 slots will be accommodated at the DSWD Central Office in Batasan, Quezon City.

The GIP application is open to college students aged 19 to 25 years old, preferably in their 3rd or 4th year.

To qualify for the program, the monthly family income of the applicants must not be more than the current poverty threshold of PHP12,082. They are also required to present their Covid-19 vaccination cards.

Qualified GIP participants will render 30 working days of service and will receive a stipend of 75 percent of the existing regional wage rate.

For information on the registration process at the Central Office in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City, interested participants may check the official social media page of the DSWD.

Those who are interested to apply in any DSWD field offices, they may coordinate with their concerned local government units.

Through this program, participants would be able to gain valuable experience in public service which would be useful when they join the Philippine workforce in the future.

More AICS satellite office

The DSWD also announced that its Assistance in Crisis Situation (AICS) satellite office processing center at the Starmall Government Center in San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) City, Bulacan has officially started its operation on Wednesday.

Residents of SJDM City and other nearby towns in Bulacan need not travel to the Central Office of the DSWD in Quezon City to avail of the services under the AICS.

AICS serves as a social safety net or a stop-gap mechanism meant to support the recovery of individuals and families from unexpected crises such as illness or death of a family member, natural and man-made disasters and other crisis situations.

AICS Clients may avail of medical, hospitalization, transportation and burial assistance, among others.

The establishment of the satellite office was a joint undertaking of the DSWD and the city government of SJDM sealed through the signing of a memorandum of agreement that coincided with the opening ceremony.

DSWD Secretary Rex

Gatchalian, joined by SJDM City Mayor Arthur Robes and assisted by DSWD Field Office III Director Jonathan Dirain, led the opening ceremony of the satellite center. Robes thanked the DSWD for providing clients from the city and nearby areas with easier access in seeking assistance.

“Secretary, I will assure you na hindi mahihirapan ang inyong Departamento dito, lahat ng pwede naming maging support sa DSWD, susuportahan ng city government (I will assure you that DSWD will get all the support from the city government),” Robes said.

Gatchalian said the DSWD equally supports the city government’s goal of assisting its constituents and of bringing the department closer to the people.

“Alam namin na paghihingi kayo ng tulong sa DSWD, lumuluwas pa kayo papunta sa Central Office sa Batasan, magastos, malayo kaya naisip namin ni Mayor Art na ang pinakamadali ay maglagay na tayo dito sa San Jose (We know that you had to commute to Central Office in Batasan when you need to request for assistance. It is far and costly, that is why, Mayor Art and I thought that putting up a satellite office in San Jose is the best remedy),” Gatchalian said.

He thanked Robes for the city government’s assistance in providing supplies to the satellite office and the Starmall management for giving free space for the satellite office.

On April 27, the DSWD also opened satellite offices in Monumento for clients coming from the Camanava areas, and in Baclaran, Parañaque for residents of southern Metro Manila.

DSWD, OPAPRU renew commitment for MILF normalization program

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) acting Secretary Isidro Purisima on Tuesday signed an agreement renewing convergence mechanisms necessary to fulfill the government’s normalization commitments for former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two agencies entails a transfer of OPAPRU funds amounting to PHP396 million to the DSWD.

The allocation will fund the implementation of socioeconomic programs for the MILF Decommissioned Combatants (DCs).

Under the deal, 3,300 MILF DCs will receive PHP100,000 each in transitional cash assistance and livelihood grants which they could use for their reintegration into the mainstream society.

Both heads of the agencies expressed commitment to strengthen partnership to continue the normalization program while exploring other possible areas of collaboration to serve conflictaffected individuals and families and disadvantaged areas towards an inclusive, sustainable and peaceful

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnesseS the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. of the Ayala Group and California-based Zero Motorcycles on a partnership to manufacture electric motorcycles. (MNS photo)

PARCHED. Farmer Eduardo Rossel, 62, walks on a dried-up rice field in Sitio Maname, Naic, Cavite on Wednesday (May 3, 2023). With the El Niño certain to start between July and August, the Department of Agriculture is implementing the Mitigation and Adaptation Plan that includes cloud seeding, irrigation system schedule, water management, rehabilitation of irrecoverable areas, maximized production in non-threatened areas and massive information dissemination. (MNS photo)

Physical Therapists Help People of All Ages.

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- Physical therapists are experts in human movement who are trained to evaluate and treat all kinds of musculoskeletal issues. They are highly trained in prescribing and progressing exercise to help people move and feel better. Because everyone moves and everyone can benefit from exercise, physical therapists can help people through their entire lives.

Some people see a physical therapist shortly after birth. The most common reasons a baby would need to see a PT would be something like torticollis or cerebral palsy. Torticollis is a postural issue that causes babies to hold their heads tipped to one side. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that causes difficulty with movement and coordination.

As children continue to grow, some have trouble hitting their motor milestones - like rolling, crawling, or walking. Physical therapists can use their expertise to help encourage development of motor skills and coordination to get these children back on track.

Sports injuries become more common in adolescents. Whether it's an ankle sprain, or an ACL surgery, a PT can help. Some adolescents have issues from the rapid growth their bodies go through. Things like growth plate fractures, growing pains, Osgood-Schlatter's disease, and Sever's disease are all common in adolescence. As adults, a lot of us will have

back pain - studies say up to 80% of us. Physical therapy is one of the first treatments recommended for back pain. Physical therapists also see injured adults. It could be from weekend warrior type sports injuries, overuse, or from an accident at work. Some adults also start to show symptoms of diseases like multiple sclerosis, or myositis which also benefit from physical therapy.

Later in life, people tend to accumulate more health issues that impact their ability to move. Issues like arthritis, joint replacements, strokes, and heart attacks are all things a PT can help with. Physical therapists also help people age better - keeping them moving with exercise programs that help reduce falls, or helping them make adaptations and modifications to keep them in their homes safely. Movement is a constant in life. As

movement experts, PTs can help people of any age. Some specialize in treating pediatric patients, and some specialize in treating geriatric patients, but all PTs have the expertise to help people move better.

About The Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association

Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses. Our members are leaders and innovators in the healthcare system. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 85,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy nationwide. For more information, please visit www.ppsapta.org.

4ps

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community.

“We will make sure that inclusive and sustainable peace is an initiative that is not just written on paper but is actually funded and manned properly,” Gatchalian said. Gatchalian said development initiatives on the side of the peace process are set by the department to let the “constituents feel the embrace

of the national government.”

OPAPRU, according to Purisima, immensely appreciates the DSWD’s continued support in the decommissioning process, especially in providing other interventions that complement the government’s efforts in attaining the peace agenda.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa inyo because of the support, especially sa SLP [Sustainable Livelihood Program] na nakatutulong para masustain ang initial gains natin as far

as the normalization is concerned (We thank the DSWD for its support, especially its SLP that help sustain our initial gains as far as the normalization is concerned),” Purisima said.

The DSWD, as part of its commitments to the normalization program, conducts the needs assessment and case management of the MILF DCs, measuring their responsiveness to the programs and their progress in the normalization process. (MNS)

“There is a mistaken notion among some that to own a paper is to have a license to clobber one’s enemies and attack people we don’t like. A newspaper is an information tool to reach a large number of people at a given time. A newspaper should inform, educate, entertain and provide viewpoints that could give us the means to make intelligent decisions for ourselves and others.” — Ernie Flores Jr., founding editor and publisher

Spiritual Life

A mother’s thoughts on age and aging

At this time of my life, my thoughts revolved around my children and grandchildren, when I’m not busy doing other things in the community. I try to keep track of their activities, although my husband and I live independently from them. When I decided to live in our own apartment, I thought that it was the best arrangement. But now, I am having second thoughts. I would like to see my children more often, to interact with them and to share their joys and challenges. I would like to live with anyone of them. But one of my daughters said, “Mama, you are welcome to transfer to our house and occupy the guest room that we have reserved for you and Dad. But you have to transfer with only your essentials” I realized I was not emotionally ready to give up my independence and my worldly goods. So here I am often reminiscing and trying to delay aging and doing the things I am doing to prevent the onset of dementia.

I’ve always been conscious that my body is the temple of God. I tried my best to embrace a healthy life style. So people tend to perceive that I look younger than my age, which of course flatters me no end.

I attend meetings, engage in multilevel marketing of a breakthrough age defying skin cream, Nerium AD and distribute Healthy Coffee, and

S.

My Personal Testimony

still remain as the avid community volunteer. I admit that I am aging and I simply embrace contentment, enjoy the company of my friends, and spend my energy in purposeful activities.

A woman author shared these thoughts on how we can make peace of who we are. (1) Embrace health. We may not be able to control age’s gravity, but we can commit to living wisely, we can eat nutritious food, exercise and seek to keep short accounts with friends and family.

(2) Push against our culture’s superficial tyranny of beauty. We can defy the trend that glorifies youth and devalues anything less than perfection. Since God created us all, we are all beautiful people. (3) Be mindful of eternity. Whenever I worry about my looks, I think of heaven and the fact that this body won’t remain – that a new body

God is birthing city

His

will replace it. Paul describes the anticipation believers should have.

“We look not at the things which are seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.’ (2 Cor. 4-18).

Let’s be less consumed with a body that is fading and more consumed with the consuming fire of God’s testing. Let’s strive to live a life worthy of Jesus’ words. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Let us value faithfulness over youthfulness, our service over our looks. Godly people are content with how they look.

AS a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, I am learning to be alive in the moment, to rejoice for the breath that fills my lungs, and thankful for the years the Lord has given me thus far. Happy Mother’s Day!

coalitions of

Church among congregations

Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. (Leviticus 26:8)

The Church is called to impact the world. The biblical definition "church" is not an institution or building, but rather it is made up of individuals. Jesus said "wherever two or more meet together, I am in the midst of them." The biblical word translated as "church" is ekklesia which is the original Greek meaning "the people of God."

The New Testament used this word in two different ways. Sometimes it refers to people of God gathered together in congregations. That is our traditional idea of the local church. But other times it means believers in general, wherever they might find themselves.

God calls the Church to be transformers of society through their collective influence. Jesus prayed that His Church would

JESSE REYES

Continued from page 5

in Bali announced in a statement to CNN that there were around 8,500 Ukrainian citizens on the island as of February 2023, holding various and permanent visa permits.

“Ukrainians do not come for holiday in Bali at the current moment as our country is being invaded. The Ukrainians coming to Bali now are for family reunification (reasons) and are mostly female,” noted spokesperson Nyoman Astama.

“We reaffirm that Ukrainians in Bali do not want to violate rules and regulations,” Astama repeated. “It is imperative to enforce the law and implement the consequences for any breach of the law as voiced now by the people in Bali.”

Be that as it may, for now at least, anyone from either country still hoping for a visa on arrival can take some comfort in the fact that the central government is yet to decide on whether to grant the request by the Balinese authorities.

“We will discuss it in detail with other stakeholders,” Indonesian Minister of Tourism Sandiaga Uno told local reporters.

So, what about the Philippines as the supposedly next preferred

Hernaez

be unified in order for the world to respond to Him. "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" (John 17:23). The enemy of the Church is secularism, a religion that says there is no God. When local congregations fail to come together as a collective voice and operate instead as individual silos in their community society is given over to the evils created as a result of an unbelieving society. Conversely, when the Body of Christ - the Church puts its collective resources together to solve societal issues, our enemies; crime, poverty, sexual perversion,

destination site for all the Russians (and Ukrainians, too) fleeing the war? Well, frankly I say this news is a little bit late. They’re already there in the Philippines – the Russians and yes, including the Ukrainians, too! Some of them are living together in some isolated islands like Samal, officially known as the Island Garden City of Samal in the province of Davao del Norte. By the way, the Russian folks have established small communities there even way back before the Covid-19 pandemic.

I do believe the Russians prefer Thailand to the Philippines as of the moment simply because they have a well-entrenched community and established capital system over there; transferring funds and wealth is easy for them, so to speak.

Historically, Russians have a much closer affinity with the Filipinos and have in fact been a part of Philippine history and they have been good friends with each other even before then.

Russian settlement in the Philippines began when Russians from China who were escaping Communist rule left the country and settled in the archipelagic republic.

At the height of the Communist movement in China, about 6,000 Russians left the country to find a new life elsewhere. Commencing

Last Sunday we celebrated the Good Shepherd Sunday during which we were reminded that we have Jesus as our Master and Good Shepherd whose voice we must know and whose guidance we should follow so that we would not get lost and be able to reach the purpose for which we belong to his sheepfold. Today we have a gospel that has several messages that Jesus left behind for his apostles and disciples to always consider. Among them are the following: his promise of communion with his disciples, his declaration about his identity, his affirmation that he is the cornerstone in every Christian life, his demand for continuous interest in knowing more about Him.

First, this message speaks about the reality of the existence of heaven, where we hope to go after our life here on earth is over. Besides this reality, however, is the fact that Jesus did not only speak about after life but on the life here and now. His concern was that his disciples were so anxious about his imminent death. Hence, he is now encouraging them with these words “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith

also in me. He promises here a special kind of life that would enable them to live with him under the Father’s care and reign. It is where Jesus and the Father and also the Holy Spirit would dwell and work in them; a divine indwelling where the disciples created in the Father’s image and likeness, redeemed by His death and resurrection, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit can share in God’s eternal act.

Second, Jesus affirmed that indeed He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the only way in order to be in communion with the Trinity. He is truly the embodiment of the life in God: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father… I am in the Father and the Father is in me… I do not speak

on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.” This is a very encouraging promise that the disciples who follow Jesus would have perfect union with God. Truly, He is the cornerstone of the Christian of the Christian community. In the second reading, Peter presents to us a striking image of Jesus as the “living stone” of the “spiritual house,” the one who transforms the community into “living stones.” Through him, with him and in him, they are able to offer spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God.

Finally, we often do not realize who we truly are and what we can possibly do as baptized faithful, priests, religious and lay. We all share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ and participate in God’s life and saving actions in the world. If only we live up to who we are and recognize what we can do when we are in perfect union with God, we can surely transform this world into the paradise that Jesus prayed for. We only have to yearn to know Him more deeply and at the same recognize that we are so identified with Him and be active instruments in the fulfillment of his ministry and mission here on earth.

etc. will fall by the sword of a unified Church.

God is birthing city coalitions of His Church among congregations in the city in order to fulfill John 17:23. Are you willing to be a catalyst in your community to see His Church take back your city?

The disciples thought they suffered their greatest defeat when Jesus died on the cross. However, this defeat became the greatest victory on earth. Christ's death gave liberty. Forgiveness came to all men. New life came forth - new strength for the disciples. Resurrection and new life came as a result of a "defeat."

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in January of 1949 under the care of the World Council of Churches and guided by the International Refugee Organization (IRO), the displaced Russians were settled on the island of Tubabao in central Philippines.

FYI: Tubabao is about four hours boat ride from the city of Guiuan in Eastern Samar and the uprooted Russians from China landed on chartered flights at the former U.S. naval base there in 1945 and were then shipped by boats to Tubabao where they erected a wooden church and live in a tent city.

The Russians brought with them their culture and religion as St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, then an archbishop of the Eastern Orthodox Church set up two places of worship in the island, namely the Church of St. Seraphim and the Church of St. Michael the Archangel. For months, the sleepy village became the sanctuary of people escaping the restrictions of Communism, until they could be admitted to countries such as the United States, Australia and France.

Besides the aforesaid Russians in Samal Island, today there are also about 40 Russian families living in Metro Manila.

Philippine history books accommodate these facts as a heartwarming diaspora that took place some 74 years ago and continues to

be remembered by people who were never part of it.

For instance, on that sunny afternoon of 22 March 2011, Russians and Filipinos alike trooped to the lobby of the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City back in our old country to witness the unveiling of the bronze portrait of a man whose kindness reverberated thousands of miles away from home.

Crafted by renowned Russian sculptor Gregory Pototsky, the rectangular bronze artwork shows the image of the late President Elpidio Quirino as if being blessed by St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, who joined the Russian refugees in their journey from China in 1949.

“St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco represents the Russian people who are forever thankful to the kindness of Quirino. I am very grateful to the Philippines. I would like to show how indebted the Russians are to Filipinos who gave shelter to our elders decades ago,” Pototsky told the Filipino newspaper SunStar.

The portrait, which was handed to the heirs of the deceased Filipino leader, actually contains the engraved message of solidarity: “From grateful Russia to the Philippines.”

But how did the so-called “White Russians” or those who went against the tide of the communist Red, made it to Philippine shores?

Perhaps, a trip down the memory lane will further help explain it…so here goes.

At the height of the Communist movement in China as I have mentioned earlier above, some 5,500 Russians were pressed to ditch the world’s second largest nation and find a new life elsewhere. This, however, proved to be an uneasy climb as neighboring Southeast Asian countries snubbed the request of the United Nations International Refugee Organization in deference

to the growing Chinese clout.

Only the Philippines, a former colony of Communism’s strongest critic United States, responded to the call through Quirino.

Braving the cold waters of Shanghai, the Russians led by a Cossack named Grigory Bologoff traveled in droves to reach the small island of Tubabao, which is part of the Pacific town of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

For months, the sleepy village became the sanctuary of people who escaped the shackles of the Communist movement, until they could be admitted to prosperous countries such as the United States, Australia and France.

Olga Berger recounted in a post her experiences living in the island together with her mom and sister, where as a teenager she learned how to literally swim and weather the difficulties in life.

“Our most serious problem proved to be the lack of fresh water. The men had to get it from a little spring and carried it back to camp in metal containers. Water was rationed, about three cups per person, per day,” she related.

Staying only for nine months, Olga and her family also found ways to survive.

“The Filipinos soon became business minded and knowing that there were 5,000 Russians on the island, they set up a hairdressing salon and an ice cream parlor, Mom used to wash clothes for people to be able to give me and my sister a treat such as a bottle of Coca-Cola, an ice cream, “lollies” (lollipop) and a few cigarettes for herself,” she observed.

Resiliency and determination to build a new life were the key ingredients for the Russian immigrants so as the Filipinos whom Pototsky admired for standing tall despite adversities.

“Both Philippines and Russia have been in difficult times in the past, from wars to shaky political

leaderships. Amid all these, people in these countries remain tough and kind,” he noted. Incidentally, Pototsky was also the founder and president of the Moscow-based International Academy of Kindness.

Pototsky related that he fell in love with the Philippines due to its unquestionable hospitality ,as he donated “monuments of kindness,” of Russian playwright Alexander Pushkin and Leo Tolstoy in Manila and Cebu, respectively.

“Art makes us human. There is happiness when people like what you do because they know that you dedicated part of your life into it,” he commented.

While admitting that people pay expensively for his art pieces, Pototsky said the proceeds normally do not get straight to his pocket because he uses it to create and donate monuments across the globe.

“I lead a very simple life. I’m not showering myself with material things. But I felt like a billionaire already because I have shared my artworks to the world, especially in 35 countries,” Pototsky declared, adding he might soon create a memorial in honor of Russians who are now living in the Philippines.”

“All difficult problems must be decided with the principle of kindness. There should be no borders for expressing it,” Pototsky concluded.

Personally, I can say for sure that Filipinos are culturally closer to Russians than any other Asian people that I have met. And in general, Russians feel comfortable in the Philippines. The same kind of cordiality and hospitality is visible in both countries, by the way. With its blue waters, sandy beaches and unique culture, the Philippine archipelago is definitely on the travel bucket list of many Russians.

Surely, the Russians are coming…the Russians are coming…to the Philippines!

What say you, “Kababayans”?

Aurora

Cudal-Rivera

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

IN LOVING MEMORY Purisima “Puring” Pabelico Labao

December 8, 1926 to April 27, 2023

NATIONAL CITY,CA--Purisima

“Puring” Pabelico Labao was the eldest of nine children born to Lope Pabelico and Aurelia Dizon Pabelico in Santa Ana, Manila, Philippines. Puring studied college business courses which would ultimately lead her to a job with Philippine Airlines or PAL. In December 1950, she would travel to California on vacation. During her time in San Diego, she caught the eye of Delfin Labao, of Baliuag, Bulacan, a Chief in the U.S. Navy. He soon proposed to her, and they were married on January 27, 1951. She would first work for the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty, also known as the MAAC Project, and later began her civil service career with the Department of the Navy where she worked for Air Pacific Fleet and the Naval Supply Center until she retired in 1985.

Though Puring and Delfin were proud citizens in service of their adopted county, their connection to their Filipino heritage would inspire a lifetime of leadership within the Filipino American community of San Diego. Delfin’s involvement with the Filipino American Veterans Association led to Purings involvement in the Filipino Women’s Club in 1951 where she was sworn in as an officer. Together they were founding members of the House of the Philippines of Balboa Park in 1961 and PASACAT in 1970 where she served as board of directors secretary for over thirty years.

The central pillar of Puring’s life was her unwavering faith which was cultivated early in her life through her Catholic upbringing, especially through The Church. She shared her devout faith with her daughters by attending mass faithfully and praying the Rosary routinely as a family during their formative years. She lived her Cursillo in 1978 at Whispering Winds.

St. Rita’s Parish is what became her apostolate. With Delfin as Chair of the Filipino Synod for the Diocese of San Diego in 1973, they presented a resolution which brought the first Filipino missionary priest to the

Diocese of San Diego in 1976. In May 1977, she coordinated the first Flores de Mayo and established the pilgrimage of the image of the Blessed Mary as the first Filipino “block” prayer group at St. Rita Catholic Church. Over the years this prayer group grew to seven individual prayer blocks within the Filipino American Community of St. Rita, each with their own traveling image of the Blessed Mother. It has since expanded to include the Samoan, Hispanic and African American communities of the parish.

Delfin and Puring helped establish the Filipino American Community of St. Rita, also known as FACSR, in 1987 as Chair and Secretary, under the guidance of Father Dennis Macalintal and Pastorship of Msgr. Francis Pattison. The tradition of Simbang Gabi was first held in December 1987 at St. Rita’s auditorium, a tradition that has continued each Christmas without interruption.

While her world shrank, she was comfortable in her National City home of sixty-four years as well as the surrounding community. She was called back to our Lord on April 27, 2023 at 12:28 PM.

Puring was preceded in death by her husband, Delfin (who lived to 96 years and 9 months) and twin sons; her mother and father; her sister Amparo; and brothers, Tony, Susing and Peding. She is survived by sisters Mila Bernardo, Lourdes Pabelico, Cora Gonzales and Chit Alvarillo;

sister-in-laws

Lulu Pabelico and Gloria Pabelico-Lantin; daughters and son-in-laws, Ana, Lupe & Art Macario, Tess & Chuck Paquette; five grandchildren, Joyelle Cabato, Gemma Cabato (Matthew Padrigan); Nicholas (Katherine) Macario, Daniel Macario, Rachael (Ojay) Manalang; eight great grandchildren; Gabriella & Madeline Macario, Isaiah, Juliana & Kylie Macario, Noa & Zion Manalang, and Idiyanale Padrigan.

Though she will be missed, she leaves a legacy of faith and culture in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and all those who were mobilized and inspired by her leadership and devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary, The Mother Church and the land of her birth, the Philippines.

The Rosary, Vigil & Celebration of Life for Purisima will be held on Friday, May 12, the Feast of Our Lady of the Abandoned, her parish in Sta. Ana and the date she has always hosted the Rosary since 1977. It will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church, 5124 Churchward, San Diego, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2pm at Mater Dei Church, 1751 Magdalena Avenue, Chula Vista.

Interment immediately follows at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego.

Fiesta Celebration for Purisima at 4:00 pm at St. Rita Annex Auditorium, 5124 Churchward, San Diego

Coson and Kevin Tan, among others.

Marcos said it has been more than two years since the GSP program ended, and “we would like very much for the authorization to come about as this boost trade, and to make U.S. products that are made in the Philippines more competitive in the global market.”

‘Front and center’

In his speech, the President underscored that the Philippines’ ties with the United States is in the “front and center right now”, overcoming “some bumps and scrapes” over the past years.

“And but now, the security and defense are top of mind… we also have to see that because our economies and our societies have grown more complex, everything, impinges on everything else and… it is very hard for us to separate and say that this is a discreet sector that does not affect any other sector,” added Marcos.

Invest in PH

The chief executive also touted before American business executives the Philippine economy’s growth, which stood at 7.6 percent last year.

“This is the effect of our very aggressive efforts really to promote the Philippines as an investment destination,” said Marcos.

The chief executive called on U.S. companies to invest more in the Philippines as the country stepped up efforts to “create an atmosphere that is attractive to potential investors and we continue that process.”

“We will continue to listen to you and to all our other partners as to what else we can do to help the — to help transform our economy and in that way to be able to play a viable part in the security and defense

issues that are the challenges of the day and of the region,” said Marcos.

Digital transformation

The President also touched on advancing the digital transformation of Philippine-based companies “to foster the competitiveness of the semiconductor and electronics sector”.

Marcos said the country has supported the “smart industry readiness” of several semiconductor and electronics manufacturing services companies “helps our digital transformation roadmaps.”

Semiconductor, electric vehicles

The semiconductor industry, on the other hand, can gain more from increasing skills in research and development, said the President.

“Because Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) is vulnerable to disruptive technologies, we need to undertake research and development that will help us improve business for OSAT firms in the country,” added Marcos.

With the trend toward electric vehicles, Marcos said the Philippine exports geared towards electric vehicle use such as wire harnesses, rubber tires, and automotive electronics have good potential.

The country is also optimistic about the future increase in exports of solar and photovoltaic-related products from the Philippines as many countries strive to comply with their decarbonization targets, added Marcos.

US firms willing to employ OFWs rescued in Sudan by PH gov’t

American business firms have expressed interest in employing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) recently rescued by the Philippine government from Sudan, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople said

on Wednesday.

“They’re willing na tingnan ‘yung profiles nung mga galing Sudan kasi sabi ko these are skilled workers. Sabi ko, may international school na teachers may mga nurses, mayroon ding construction workers tsaka mga engineers. So sabi naman nila, they’re willing to look at the profiles,” Ople said.

Ople said among the top US employers interested in employing the rescued OFWs included Patty Jeffrey, executive vice president for International Operations of MedPro International, Magsaysay People Resources/Magsaysay Maritime Corporation under Doris Magsaysay-Ho and John Padget, president and chief experience and innovation officer of Carnival Corporation, Princess Cruises.

Ople said the DMW is already preparing the OFWs’ profiles, which will be provided to employers in the US and Saudi Arabia, which also expressed interest in hiring Filipinos.

“There are employers in the US and also in the cruise ship industry and in Saudi Arabia that are very much interested and would like to see profiles of our workers from Sudan, Ople said.

“For Saudi Arabia, we are working closely with PEACEME, a recruitment industry association geared towards employment in KSA as well as with the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development,” she added.

Ople pointed out that livelihood support and assistance are also in place for the displaced OFWs.

“All OFWs have received US$200 care of the DMW while they are in Egypt and then livelihood package, financial assistance of initially Php50,000 and then through OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare

Administration) regional offices.

Yung initial na Php50,000 will be coming from the DMW’s direct aid to the worker, another Php50,000 will be given by OWWA to the families of the workers,” she said.

Some 536 Filipinos are currently being assisted in Cairo, Egypt, DMW Undersecretary Hans Cacdac said.

Cacdac said 49 students and an OFW returned to Manila. Some 181 of the 340 rescued Filipinos are currently staying in hotels in Cairo. He added 76 were repatriated last May 3 via Riyadh; 83 of them on the following day, also from Riyadh.

Cacdac said 104 OFWs are still in Argeen, Sudan and are expected to arrive in Cairo last May 3.

He added 14 from Abu Simbel, in Qastal had arrived on Wednesday. Initial reports said some 28 Filipinos in Qastal on the side of Egypt are currently heading to Cairo.

Cacdac reported 49 OFWs managed to reach Jeddah in Saudi Arabia with 44 of them arriving home to the Philippines.

In a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his delegation on Tuesday, Padget said his group of companies is set to hire some 75,000 Filipino seafarers in the next three to four years.

Padget also represents Carnival Cruise Line, Holland American Airlines and Seaborn, praised Filipino workers.

On the other hand, MedPro

International is an industry leader in the recruitment, training, and staffing of foreign-educated healthcare professionals.

Since 2006, the company has helped thousands of foreigneducated healthcare professionals achieve a rewarding career in the U.S. There are more than four million Filipino immigrants (temporary and permanent) in the United States, representing the 4th largest immigrant group after Mexicans, Indians and Chinese. Through their remittances, the Filipino workers contribute to the economic development of both the US and Philippines with their skills, talent and expertise. (MNS)

Begin the next step of your healthcare career today!

Complete your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) & Home Health Aide (HHA) Training at Heart to Serve Institute, approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

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